Birth and Death Certificates

Individuals may apply (in-person or by mail) for birth and death certificates at the Adair County Health Department.

The application for obtaining a copy of a vital record requires applicants to explain their relationship to the person named on the record. Missouri law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Obtaining a vital record illegally is a class D felony.

If applying in-person, you must submit the following: STEP 1: Complete and sign the “Application For A Vital Record”. This form can be requested from our clerks or downloaded here from our website.

STEP 2: Provide identification. One identity document that displays a name and photograph, such as a driver’s license, passport, or school, work or military identification. This identification is preferred and must include the applicant’s name and the name of the company or organization issuing the document. If you do not have a photo ID, at least two alternate forms of identification must be presented as follows:

two pieces of mail with name and address

one piece of mail with name and address and social security number

STEP 3: Review the certificate for accuracy and pay fees.

Certificates obtained in person usually take about 15 minutes to process.